Family remembers bodyguard killed in Jonesboro
JONESBORO, Ga. - Michael Phillips and his young bride had their entire life together ahead of them when they married on a beach in the Dominican Republic just 8 months ago.
A gunman dashed any hopes of family life for the young Jonesboro couple when he shot and killed the 27-year-old bodyguard at his front door Monday afternoon at his home on Bridlewood Court. His wife Jameela Phillips, who is 9 months pregnant, was there.
"I heard the shots and just ducked for cover and started looking for my gun to protect me," Mrs. Phillips said.
Phillips' parents are pastors of a church in Riverdale called Hand of Faith Deliverance.
"It took a heartless person to take the life of such a caring, generous young man and I just want justice," Phillips' mother, Pastor Tania Johnson said.
Clayton County Police said neighbors heard an argument then gunshots. Phillips’ pregnant wife was in the back bedroom, and doesn't know who stopped by the house.
The 27-year-old's family said Phillips was the bodyguard for rapper Future. They shared a picture with FOX 5 of the two of them at a San Francisco 49er's game.
We found a tweet the Atlanta musician posted Tuesday. It reads "Rest in Paradise Big Mike."
As detectives search for answers, the family has found it in their hearts to forgive.
"It is hard, but we forgive you. We really, really do. Just turn yourself in, said Phillips' father Bishop Corey Johnson.
The family wants to have a candlelight vigil in Phillips memory on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the weather.
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Police: Bodyguard Found Murdered inside Clayton County Townhome
Clayton County police are trying to find out who murdered a young husband who was awaiting the birth of his first child.
Police told FOX 5 Michael Phillips, 27, was at home with his wife on Bridlewood Court in Jonesboro when he was gunned down in the foyer around 1:05 Monday afternoon.
"Some of the neighbors heard some arguing and some gunshots. We are still interviewing them and trying to piece together what happened," Lt. Frank Thomas of the Clayton County Police Department said.
Family and friends said Phillips had recently married. They said he and his new wife were expecting their first child. They also said Phillips was a bodyguard for the rapper "Future".
Several people said Phillips played the piano at his mother's church in Riverdale, Hand of Faith Deliverance.
Church members stopped by the scene and were stunned by the violence.